Buying guide for Best salad dressing shakers
A lot of people who love salad also love salad dressing. If you are one of those people, a salad dressing shaker can be an excellent addition to your kitchen.
A salad dressing shaker is a handy container in which you can mix dressing ingredients quickly and easily to enjoy fresh, tasty dressing. Simply add the ingredients, cover the container, and shake it to mix it all together. To get the perfect blend, some salad dressing shakers feature an additional mixing mechanism, such as a built-in whisk or agitator. When it’s time to eat, you can pour the dressing directly from the shaker over your salad.
When choosing a salad dressing shaker, you will need to decide how big you want it to be, whether you’d prefer a plastic or glass bottle, and what other features matter to you. Our buying guide has plenty of tips and information to help you find the best salad dressing shaker for your needs. If you prefer entirely stress-free shopping, we invite you to check out the salad dressing shakers we’re recommending.
Key considerations
Capacity
If you’re mixing salad dressing for just one to two people, nearly any shaker capacity would work for you. However, if you have a large household or entertain regularly, you’ll want to pay more attention to the shaker’s capacity.
Salad dressing shakers usually range in capacity from 1 to 2 1/2 cups. A 1-cup shaker works well for up to two people. For a family of three or four, a shaker that holds at least 1 1/2 cups of dressing is ideal. For larger groups, consider a shaker that holds 2 or 2 1/2 cups.
Material
Plastic and glass are the two primary material choices for salad dressing shakers.
Plastic: Plastic salad dressing shakers are common and are typically the most affordable options. There is no chance of the bottle shattering if dropped, but notably, the plastic may retain flavors and odors over time.
Glass: Glass salad dressing shakers tend to cost more than plastic shakers, but many people prefer the glass aesthetic. Further, glass does not readily develop stains and odors. Of course, you must handle a glass salad dressing shaker carefully to avoid cracking or shattering it.
Mixing component
Most salad dressing shakers are designed so you simply add ingredients to the container, cover it, and shake it to combine them. However, if you’re mixing up a creamy dressing, the shaking action alone may not be enough to thoroughly combine ingredients. Because of this, you may want a shaker that includes some type of mixing component or mechanism to further blend your dressing. Some shakers have built-in agitators which you control with a lever or handle. Others have an internal whisk or blade that moves on its own.
A salad dressing shaker with a mixing mechanism can fully emulsify salad dressings, which is necessary for creamier recipes. These shakers can also be used for thinner dressings.
Did You Know?
A plastic salad dressing shaker is durable enough to bring to a picnic, barbecue, or camping trip.
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Features
Airtight lid
All salad dressing shakers have a leak-proof lid that allows you to shake the container without worrying about spilling the dressing. Some shakers have completely airtight lids to help keep salad dressing fresh. You can store your dressing shaker in the fridge and leave it out during a meal without the worry of spoilage.
Measurement markings
Measurement markings on the side of the container make it easy to mix dressing recipes because you can see exactly how much of each ingredient you’re adding. Some shakers offer more precise measurement markings than others. For example, one shaker might have markings in milliliters and cups while another has markings in milliliters, cups, and ounces. You can even find some salad dressing shakers with preset recipes inscribed on the container’s markings.
Anti-drip pour spout
Most salad dressing shakers have an anti-drip pour spout to minimize mess. You pour the dressing directly from the shaker to your salad without dirtying a separate container.
Dishwasher safe
For the easiest cleanup possible, look for a dishwasher-safe salad dressing shaker. This type of shaker can save you some work since the oil in dressing can be difficult to wash off by hand. It’s convenient to simply toss the shaker in the dishwasher without scrubbing it.
It’s easier to add ingredients to a salad dressing shaker with a large mouth. These shakers are also easier to clean.
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Accessories
Salad spinner: OXO Good Grips Green Salad Spinner
Soggy salad is the worst, so you definitely need a high-quality salad spinner to dry your greens after you have washed them. We like this spinner from OXO because it is dishwasher safe and incredibly user-friendly. It can even double as a serving bowl.
Cutting board: Greener Chef Bamboo Cutting Board
A thick cutting board is a valuable addition to any kitchen, and this affordable one from Greener Chef is made of antimicrobial bamboo to help you keep things clean while you work. Use the board to prepare vegetables for salad, stir fry, or whatever you intend to serve.
Food chopper: Chef’n VeggiChop
It’s easy to chop veggies for salad with the Chef’n VeggiChop: simply add your ingredients and pull the string. You determine how finely or coarsely chopped your veggies by the number of times you use the pull-string. This is an affordable and versatile piece that would be at home in any kitchen.
Panini press: Hamilton Beach Panini Press and Sandwich Maker
A sandwich is an excellent companion to a salad. We like this panini press from Hamilton Beach, which you can use to grill two hot sandwiches at once on a nonstick surface. The panini press can also be used to prepare hamburgers, hot chicken or ham sandwiches, and even steaks.
Did You Know?
For best results, add ingredients to your salad shaker when they are at room temperature. This allows them to mix more thoroughly.
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Salad dressing shaker prices
Inexpensive: The most affordable salad dressing shakers are plastic models that hold less than 2 cups. They don’t feature any type of mixing mechanism, but they usually do have a leak-proof lid, measurement markings, and a pour spout. These shakers generally cost between $9 and $14.
Mid-range: Mid-range salad dressing shakers are usually plastic shakers that hold 2 cups or more or glass shakers that hold 1 1/2 to 2 cups. They may have some sort of mixing mechanism, measurement markings, and a drip-free pour spout. These shakers typically cost between $15 and $22.
Expensive: The priciest salad dressing shakers are usually glass models that hold 2 cups or more. They have a mixing mechanism, measurement markings, and a drip-free pour spout. These shakers generally cost between $23 and $35.
Tips
- Vinegar is a tangy salad dressing ingredient that tickles the tastebuds and can help keep your salad fresh. Stored in the refrigerator, dressing with vinegar usually lasts one or two weeks
- The ideal ratio of oil to vinegar in vinaigrette is 3:1. If you prefer a little more tang in your dressing, you can adjust the amounts accordingly.
- Vinegar and vegetable oil are two key ingredients in homemade vinaigrette, but you may prefer using extra virgin olive oil for added flavor. You can also experiment with other flavorful oils like avocado oil or walnut oil.
- Fresh lemon or lime juice can help brighten the flavor of homemade salad dressing. It also adds some tartness.
- Salad dressing isn’t just for salad. Consider using it as a dip for a veggie plate or a marinade for a meat dish.
FAQ
Q. Why should I make my own salad dressing?
A. If you have ever spent time perusing the labels on bottles of salad dressing, you know that many of these products contain multiple ingredients, many of which are hard to pronounce. Homemade salad dressing is fresh salad dressing that doesn’t contain a bunch of chemical preservatives. When you make your dressing yourself, you control the ingredients to make the dressing as healthy (or allergen-free) as you’d like. Further, you can tailor the dressing to complement the ingredients in your salad.
Q. How should I wash my salad dressing shaker?
A. As mentioned, some salad dressing shakers are dishwasher safe; simply place them on the top rack for easy cleaning. Other salad shakers require hand washing, which means you should wash them with warm water and dish soap. If you’re having trouble cleaning your shaker by hand, try using a bottle brush. The narrow design fits easily into a shaker’s nooks and crannies.
Q. Can I make more than just salad dressing in a salad dressing shaker?
A. Yes. A salad dressing shaker can also be used to make marinades and sauces, particularly if it has some type of mixing mechanism.
